Tricky Jets try anything to assure win over Pats

By PAUL MARSLANO

FOXBORO, Mass. -- The field-goal unit -- led by New York Jets' kicker John Hall -- ran on the field Sunday to try a 39-yard field goal with 2 minutes, 11 seconds left before halftime.

Clinging to a 14-10 lead after scoring two touchdowns in the first quarter, the Jets were on the verge of collapse. A misfire would send the Foxboro Stadium crowd into a frenzy.

The attempt, however, was just a ploy contrived by Jets coach Al Groh. "They called my number," linebacker Mo Lewis said. "I was shocked."

Hall split to the left, and holder Tom Tupa assumed the quarterback position. Lewis moved to the backfield, the slot normally reserved for running back Curtis Martin.

While the Jets stood as statues, the Patriots were scrambling around and pointing at one another, trying to position themselves.

Tupa waited, waited and waited some more. Perhaps it was a diversionary tactic to pull the Patriots offside, which would

have given the Jets a first down.

At the final second, Tupa took the snap, then pitched the ball to Lewis, who broke for the right sideline and gained 3 yards for the first down.

Four plays later, Martin scored on a 4-yard run. The Jets added a field goal with 5 seconds left in the half for a 24-10 lead and were on their way to a 34-17 victory.

The Jets (5-1) may have a few more surprises Monday night at the Meadowlands when they play the Miami Dolphins (5-1). With Groh's manipulative play calling, anything is possible.

"We practiced the fake about three or four times," said Lewis, a two-time Pro Bowl selection. "I thought it was something they were just going to hold in their pocket."

Lewis, who had an interception and a deflection that led to safety Victor Green's touchdown, laughed as he talked about his 3-yard sprint.

"I told myself, 'I've got to do it. I've got to get the first down,'" Lewis said. "It was kind of fun, but I don't want to do it again."

Lewis, in his 10th season, had never carried the ball before. But, with Groh doing the unconventional every week, Lewis may find himself running the option next time. It is not uncommon for the Jets to attempt trick plays. The reverse is part of the game plan. Fake punts and field goals are two other techniques to confuse opponents.

"Hey, we find ways to get it done," Lewis said. "We didn't bring our 'A' game against Pittsburgh (20-3 loss Oct. 8), and we paid for it. This time we were ready."

The Jets' defense had a field day, wreaking havoc on Patriots quarterback Drew Bledsoe, whom they sacked seven times, the most in his eight-year career.

When the Jets got close to Bledsoe, which they were most of the time, they were sure to send a physical message.

"Sometimes you're going to take a shot, but you still have to throw the ball," Bledsoe said. "They were bringing in more players than we could block. It was frustrating."

Groh wanted to pressure Bledsoe, and blitzing at the precise time was essential.

"It was a key to the game. We had to rush him because I think he's one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL," Groh said.

Lewis, a third-round draft choice out of Georgia, knew it was crucial to contain Bledsoe and not allow him time to pick out his receivers.

"He's a tough guy. He's going to play hard no matter the situation. We couldn't afford to sit back and give him time to find his receivers," Lewis said.

The Jets' offense did its job, dominating the time of possession by a wide margin (37:54 to 22:06), giving the defense a chance to catch its breath.

With Miami up next and first place in the AFC East at stake, the Jets will need a replica of Sunday's performance to assure victory.